Curb Appeal is King, NAR Study Finds

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RISMEDIA) – Nine of the top ten most cost-effective projects in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects, according to the National Association of Realtors 2010–11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.

Among the report’s findings:

The steel entry door replacement is the project that returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped when the home is sold.

The midrange garage door replacement is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of costs.

Upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most among window replacement projects, at 72.6 percent.

Wood decks tied with a minor kitchen remodel for the fourth most profitable project, recouping an estimated 72.8 percent of costs.

Meanwhile, here’s what the study found inside the house:

An attic bedroom addition costs more than $51,000 and recoups an estimated 72.2 percent.

A basement remodel costs more than $64,000 and recoups an estimated 70 percent.

Improvement projects that are expected to return the least are a midrange home office remodel, recouping an estimated 45.8 percent; a backup power generator, recouping 48.5 percent; and a sunroom addition, recouping 48.6 percent of costs.

In addition, the study found that Texas was among the regions that were consistently estimated to return a higher percentage of remodeling costs when a home is sold.